Foldable Base System for Optical Fiber Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for installing small diameter optical fiber cables in ground surfaces, such as paved roads, are costly and inefficient, especially when market penetration is low, and existing trenchless construction methods do not justify the expense for fiber optics.
Innovation Solution
A foldable base system with articulating side walls and plug contacts is used to secure optical fiber cables in place within a channel, allowing for easy installation and maintenance, with capping material flowing over the cables to seal the system and minimize the need for backfill materials and labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If trenchless construction methods are used to install optical fiber cables in ground surfaces, then installation cost is reduced, but installation efficiency and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (flowable capping material) that facilitates the installation process by automatically sealing the channel after cable placement. This mediator eliminates the need for complex trenchless equipment while maintaining cost effectiveness, as the material flows to seal the channel and minimize backfill requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between low cost and installation efficiency
2Productivity
If traditional excavation methods are used to install optical fiber cables, then installation efficiency is improved, but cost and ecological impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of excavation (creating a channel for cable placement) while eliminating the harmful aspects (deep digging, extensive backfill, ecological disruption). By using a shallow channel approach with flowable capping material that self-seals, the system achieves traditional excavation efficiency without the associated costs and environmental impact
3Ease of manufacture
If shallow channel method with flowable capping material is used, then cost and ecological impact are reduced, but access for repairs becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel into manageable sections that can be individually accessed for repairs. The foldable base structure creates defined segments within the channel, allowing maintenance personnel to access specific repair locations without disturbing the entire installation, thereby resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and repair accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing installation of optical fiber, non-fiber lines, and/or power lines in a ground surface. In various embodiments, a foldable base might be placed in a channel in a ground surface. The foldable base might include a base portion, two side wall portions, at least two points of articulation, and two plug contacts. Each point of articulation allows each side wall portion to fold relative with the base portion, forming a cavity. One or more lines may be placed within the cavity. A plug, placed above the lines in the cavity, may engage with the two plug contacts to secure the plug to the foldable base. Capping material, placed in microchannel on a top surface of the plug, may flow beyond the microchannel and over any openings between the plug and the foldable base and between the foldable base and edges of the channel.